Four primary school children and driver remain in hospital after Llanfair Caereinion bus crash

Four children and a bus driver remain in hospital after a school bus crashed into a group of young pedestrians yesterday, May 23, in Powys.

They are described as being in a stable condition at this time.

One child was discharged from medical care yesterday.

The children are primary school aged.

The police investigation into the road traffic collision is continuing today.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision took place at about 3.25pm on School Lane, just off Neuadd Lane in the town of Llanfair Caereinion.

There were no passengers in the bus.

Three children were air lifted to hospital, while the male driver and a fourth child were driven to hospital by ambulance.

Pictures from the scene yesterday showed the bus mounting the kerb and crashing into a metal fence.

The bus has been removed for forensic examination and the road has now reopened.

Police Community Support Officers and School Community Police Officers will be attending the school this morning to provide support.

Dr Caroline Turner, Chief Executive of Powys County Council, said: “Our thoughts are with all those who were injured in yesterday’s incident and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“Officers from the council’s Schools Service are at both schools today to provide help and support to staff and pupils during this difficult time.

“The council will support any investigation into the incident by the appropriate authorities.”

Ms Laura Jones, Acting Headteacher at Llanfair Caereinion CP School said: “Yesterday’s incident has shocked everyone at the school.

“I would like to thank the quick response of emergency services and school staff who attended the scene to help those who were injured. I would also like to thank parents for their understanding while the incident was ongoing.

“As a school, we are supporting both staff and pupils during this difficult time.  We will also support and help those families that have seen their loved ones injured in any way we can.”

Mr Terry Phillips, Chair of the Governing Body and Mr Edward Baldwin, Acting Headteacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion, said: “This has been a difficult 24 hours for both schools, but we will continue to support each other over the coming days and weeks.

“I would like to thank all those that helped, including the emergency services. It was an anxious time, especially for staff and parents and I would like to thank them for remaining calm and for their understanding while the emergency services were at the scene.

“We will be supporting staff and pupils during this difficult time, including those who are taking part in examinations and assessments.”